Teacher's Guide for FOOTSTEPS Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Morehouse Years

Vocabulary

civil rights, paradox, congregate, segregation, oppression

Questions

1. Why did Morehouse College begin a program of early admissions in 1944?
2. King, Jr. went to Booker T. Washington High School. Who was Booker T. Washington and why was he an important man?
3. King, Jr. wrote letters back home when he was away during the summer working. Pretend you are an African American away from your parents during that time period. Write a friendly letter telling of your experiences.

Vocabulary

rural, preach, ordained, prominent, succeeded

Questions

1. Why was it such an accomplishment for Michael King to finish college?
2. After Michael corrected the white landlord about money due, why do you think the King family was forced to leave?
3. Why do you think that Michael became interested in the church?

Vocabulary

missionaries, moral support, era, endorsed

Questions

1. Explain the changes that took place in the institution from the Augusta Institute to Morehouse College.
2. Why do you think an antiblack riot swept through Atlanta in 1906?
3. As it became more acceptable for African Americans to receive higher education, how do you think society changed?

Vocabulary

economic growth, racial discrimination, protest, boycott

Questions

1. From your reading, can you conclude why the African American population was growing in Atlanta in the early 1900s?
2. The reading says that unfair treatment of African Americans in the courts and unequal distribution of funds for public education was being protested. Explain how these two unfair practices kept African Americans at a disadvantage.
3. Why was it so important that A.D. Williams helped to get thousands of black voters registered?

Vocabulary

orator, enlightened, democracy

Questions

1. Even after hurtful incidents, the Kings told their children not to hate the white man. Why?
2. The beginning of the article gives many examples of discrimination. What examples of discrimination have you seen in your life?
3. What can you do to make sure that children born after you don""'t experience the same kind of discrimination that you have?

Vocabulary

primary, barred

Questions

1. Why do you think rules were adopted that barred the participation of blacks in the Georgian Democratic Primary?
2. Why was the riot in 1906 so devastating?
3. There is many ""'firsts""' listed on page 20. Which three do you think were the most important and why?

Vocabulary

associated, influence

Questions

1. Education is obviously important for all people. Why was it essential to blacks during the Civil Rights movement?
2. Explain two reasons why Benjamin E. Mays was a major influence on the students at Morehouse.
3. What does Mays""' poem, "God""'s Minute" mean to you?

Vocabulary

mentor, deficiencies, critical, philosophies, dignity, aspirations, standard, resources

Questions

1. Explain what Charles Vert Willie states is the essence of education. Tell why you agree or disagree.
2. Why did King, Jr. refer to George D. Kelsey as an ideal minister?
3. What impressed Samuel Dubois Cook most about Dr. Mays?
4. According to Walter E. Massey, Morehouse was concerned with qualities other than only high academic achievements. List these qualities and explain how they are important in your school.
5. Nima Warfield stated that a student could come into Morehouse and leave unchanged. Explain what he meant when he said it was a choice.
6. All of the men on p.37 are graduates of Morehouse. Do you think Morehouse was partly responsible for their success? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

noble, theological, conversion

Questions

1. Why was the fact that King, Jr. was one of the few black students at Crozer Theological Seminary important to him?
2. Explain at least 3 factors that shaped King, Jr.""'s decision to become a minister.
3. What did King Jr. mean when he said, "Religion for me is life."?

Vocabulary

refuge, poverty, mission, integral

Questions

1. Why did King, Jr. believe the church could be an instrument of change?
2. How did church ease the harshness of life for King, Jr.?
3. The article says that the church remains an integral part of the black community today. Why do you think that is the case?

Vocabulary

majority

Questions

1. What does Rev. Taylor, besides civil rights, say is another struggle for the African American culture?
2. Why does Rev. Taylor feel it is important that young people are coming back to the church now?
3. Rev. Taylor says his movement is to have people come to church with their ""'whole person""'. Explain what he means.

1. Using the information throughout this issue of FOOTSTEPS magazine, construct Martin Luther King, Jr.""'s family tree.
2. Arrange a class debate between John Hope and Booker T. Washington. (College vs. Vocational Training)
3. Using the "Reflect & Memories" section, have students make a Venn Diagram. People featured on this page can also be the basis for reports on famous black Americans.
4. Map Skills: Specific locations (colleges, home, and events) are given throughout the magazine. Locate and post on the map as you read.
5. Dates in history fill this issue, and a timeline is provided in the back of the issue. Use these numbers for math problems, appropriate to your grade level. Also try using ages, and population numbers.
6. Science: Plant to products . . . tobacco, cotton
7. Literature / Arts: Use this issue to begin a study of African American History. Branch off into famous black writers, painters, and musicians.
8. For each article, have the students list the main idea, setting, details, and conclusion.

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Updated: 9/7/08 07:06 pm
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